Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Lou Leavey, Long-Time Member of Maryland State Athletic Commission, Passes at 90!

The Beltway Boxing scene and, in particular, the State of Maryland lost an icon today. If you ever boxed or, yes, wrestled in Maryland, you knew Lou Leavey. You also respected and loved Lou Leavey.

Mr. Leavey passed away today after a long illness. He was 90 years old. Prior to his career in boxing, Mr. Leavey served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a boxing coach at the Central YMCA in Baltimore. What many don't know about Mr. Leavey is that he trained and co-managed former world middleweight champion Terry Downes of England. Downes won the world championship in London in 1961.

Mr. Leavey joined the Maryland State Athletic Commission in 1985 and was serving on the commission at the time of his passing. Mr. Leavey was one of the inspectors and helped conduct the drug testing for all participants.

Lou came off as kind of a curmudgeon to some folks but he was a really nice person. Lou served as mentor to many and was a really nice person to talk to. As word has filtered through social media about his passing, we already know he will be truly missed.

Nice article Gary. He was my mentor. I will miss Lou, the last time he worked with me was at the WWE 6/2013 I called him 3 days after the show & he told me he wasn't coming back he had all these health issues. I stayed in contact with him to the end. He called me a week before he died & wanted me to let everyone know that he wasn't a quitter that he was a fighter. But he was like a fighter that kept getting beat round after round and he was done fighting. Lou please rest in peace buddy.

The sun rises, the sun goes down. The tide comes in, the tide goes out. A boxing weigh-in in Maryland is held, and there is always Lou sitting at the Commission table waiting to license the next boxer. Some things are just a natural occurrence.

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.. Everyone loved Lou, he was definately one of a kind. He can rest in peace knowing Bryan is doing an excellent job in his absence. I will miss him greeting me with a hug and a kiss and saying " Hey BabyDoll How are you?"

Real Time Pain Relief

From Boxers to Ballerinas – For Shoulder Pain to Muscle Strain and everything in between. Boxing Along The Beltway recommends Real Time Pain Relief – Natural, Plant-Based, Safe, Fast, & Effectives. Rub it On and the Pain is Gone in REAL TIME!

About Me

BATB is "The place to go if you want to know about any upcoming show or results, from amateur to the pros, in Virginia, Maryland and the District." -- Thom Loverro, The Washington Times
I've covered the Boxing scene in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area for 33 years. I was inducted into the Washington, DC Boxing Hall of Fame in November, 2009. I am also a feature writer for Fightnews.com. I was the play-by-play announcer on the TV series "Boxing Spotlight" which highlighted pro boxing along the Beltway. I have also appeared on numerous radio stations across the country talking about the sport.
You can hear my audio commentaries, interviews and play-by-play calls by downloading the free Boxing Along The Beltway Google App for Android!
I'm also proud to say that I am in my 23rd year serving as the public address announcer for Coppin State University Eagles Men's and Women's Basketball! I also cover boxing and the Washington pro football team for the Washington Informer Newspaper!